Hoyer introduced as Padres GM

As expected, the San Diego Padres today named Jed Hoyer as the team's new executive vice president/general manager.

Hoyer, 35, who has been an assistant GM for the Boston Red Sox, was introduced at a news conference at Petco Park.

“After a thorough search and evaluation of qualified candidates, I am excited to name Jed Hoyer as our executive vice president/general manager,” Padres CEO Jeff Moorad said in a statement released by the team. “Jed comes from a championship organization where he gained hands-on experience for a club that has had tremendous success in its baseball operations and, particularly, in player development.

“We are fortunate to add someone as highly respected and well-thought-of in the industry as Jed. I feel our organization continues to move forward and I believe he is the right person to lead us through the next chapter of Padres baseball.”

With Boston, Hoyer was involved in all aspects of baseball operations, primarily focusing on player acquisitions, contract negotiations and player evaluations.

“From my initial conversations with Jeff Moorad and Tom Garfinkel, it was apparent that there is a strong commitment to winning here and I am thrilled to have this opportunity,” said Hoyer, in a news release issued by the Padres. “John Moores' leadership has resulted in this beautiful ballpark and a continued dedication to the San Diego community. I look forward to being part of this great situation and working to build a consistent, winning team that the city will be proud of.”

Hoyer replaces longtime Padres GM Kevin Towers, who was let go at the end of the just-concluded season.